The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame played their first game on November 23, 1887. From this first game to 1899, they had 31 wins, 15 losses and 4 ties. In 1913, Jesse Harper became their head coach. During the four years he was their coach, they had 34 wins, 5 losses and 1 tie. Knute Rockne became the head coach in 1918 and coached the Irish until December 1930. His time there ended with a record of 105 wins, 12 losses and 5 ties.

Heartley Anderson became the head coach for the next three years with a win-loss record of 16-9 and two ties. The next head coach for Notre Dame was Elmer Layden and in his seven years there, he had a win-loss record of 47-13 with 3 ties.

In 1941, Frank Leahy became the coach of the Fighting Irish. He coached for a total of 11 years and amassed a record of 87 wins, 11 losses and 9 ties. He also led the team through six undefeated seasons and four national championships.

Ara Parsegian became head coach in 1964 and had a record of 95 wins, 17 losses and 4 ties in his 11 years there. Dan Devine was hired in 1973 and he stayed until 1980, with a record of 53-16-1. Gerry Faust was hired in 1981 and stayed until 1985. The year that he left marked the first 98 years of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. They have continued to play excellent games throughout the years, and now hold the record for the most national championship wins by a college football team.